the trouble with love

Chapter fifty three Welcome back

Elrond blinked and stirred when he heard sounds. He raised his head and looked around a bit disorientated.

He smiled when he saw the healer’s happy look, while he was tending to Melpomean. Lomiol grinned when he realised Elrond had awoken. “Look, my lord.” He stepped aside so Elrond could see.

The Peredhel immediately jumped up and gaped at the medallion around Melpomean’s neck, which was shining and glittering like Eärendil itself. He allowed himself a smile. “It must be the magic at work. It’s saving him, I think.”
Lomoil grinned and nodded. “I think so too; his breathing is speeding up. I will send word to the others as soon as it goes better still.”
Elrond nodded and resettled at the bedside, claiming his beloved’s hand in his.

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Thranduil blinked and looked up at the sound of a knock. Erestor already answered it and frowned when he saw Rumil standing on the other side. “Rumil?” Now the other two looked up as well.

Rumil smiled warmly and entered the room. “No news yet, I’m afraid, but I figured you three might go hungry.”
Thranduil grinned and nodded. He stood and approached the tray of food Rumil had brought inside. “That is extremely considerate of you, Rumil. Thank you.” He smiled warmly at the other elf.

Erestor eyed the food hungrily and realised the warrior had been right. He remained silent and simply helped himself.

Thrilmaldur shook his head and his eyes twinkled when he settled them on Rumil. “You can do this more often once we’re in ‘Lóriën again, little one.”
Rumil’s eyes hardened and he would have snapped hadn’t Thranduil spoken. “I doubt he will for he’ll be needed to keep lazy counsellors safe.” He winked at the warrior and returned to the desk. “Rumil, would you see to it Elrond also receives a decent meal? And that he eats it.” Rumil grinned and nodded, leaving the room.

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Elnihir frowned when he woke, wondering why he had woken in the first place. He gasped when he heard Legolas speak, fear seeping in the words. He hastily sat up and his frown deepened when he saw and sensed no evil. He cocked his head as he realised the blond was still very much asleep.

After a moment of hesitation he shook Legolas to wake him up. It worked. The blue eyes filled with awareness and wonder.

Legolas had no idea why he had to wake up. Seeing Elnihir in front of him, a worried expression on his face, brought back today’s events. “They’ll be fine, Elnihir.”
Elnihir nodded and cocked his head, taking in Legolas. “I know, but do you?”
The stare was so intense Legolas was caught of guard and he hung his head. “Aiya, pen-neth. I’ve seen so much evil it is hard for me to believe anything.”
Elnihir scooted closer and placed his hand on Legolas’ forearm. “But that’s all in the past and during a time of war. We live in peace now. Aye, I know the evil creatures still exist and roam the world, but would we be able to recognize good without them?”

Legolas looked at him and blinked, surprised at the show of wisdom and knowledge in those words. He smiled. “You truly are Elrond’s blood.” He grinned. “I know, I know, you are his grandchild, but still…” He smiled and hugged him close. “You will grow into a very wise and powerful elf, Elnihir, if you already possess such knowledge.”

Elnihir shrugged and cuddled closer, thanking the Valar Legolas was over his mood. “Please believe they’ll be all right. Ata’da is a great healer. He’ll keep him safe and Mel will teach us all much more.”
Legolas sighed but nodded. “Aye, he must survive.”

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Elvil sighed as he watched Elladan pace the room like a caged animal. Hearing a chuckle he glared at Elrohir, who looked at him in amusement. The young elf jumped up. “What are you laughing about?”
Elrohir smiled warmly even as he leaned in to Orophin, who tightened his embrace. The twin locked eyes with Elvil. “You. You are extremely amusing like this.” He grinned and looked at Orophin. “Don’t you agree, Phin?”
The warrior nodded. “Aye, he is.”

Elladan stopped pacing and growled. “You two shut up!” He grabbed Elvil’s wrist and pulled him closer. “Come, pen-neth nín, we are leaving those two to their own devices.”
Elrohir jumped up and looked apologetic. “Adan, I’m sorry. Don’t go. Elvil needs company too.”
Elladan growled again. “And what am I?”
Orophin smiled. “A pacing, growling elf. Not company.”

Elladan blinked and realised they were right. His hand slipped and he allowed his tears to fall. “I just don’t want…”
Elvil embraced him. “You won’t. Mel’s a fighter and the magic will aid him, I promise.” He guided Elladan to the couch and sat them both down. “I know you worry, melamin, but there’s nothing you can do. Please try to relax?”
Elladan sighed and nodded. “Maybe you are right.”
Elvil grinned. “Not maybe. I am.”

Elrohir raised an eyebrow. “You are getting cocky.”
Elvil shrugged. “I’m a reborn. I know these things.” He laid himself and Elladan down. “Now why don’t you settle in Orophin’s arms and allow the two of us to watch over you?”
Orophin grinned. “Excellent idea.” He pulled Elrohir close.

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Melpomean groaned when he woke up and he looked around disorientated.
Feeling a warm presence next to him made him look and he smiled at Elrond’s sleeping face. He raised an arm and laced back some stray locks.

A scream sounded through the room, scaring the still foggy secretary, who, as a result, released one himself.

Elrond flared up, twirling around as he did so. He looked accusingly at the healer, who had a pleased and surprised look on his face.

Lomiol rushed forward and smiled warmly. “I cannot believe it. but I see it, so I must.”

Elrond drew in a big breath when he realised what had shocked the healer. “Melamin.” He claimed the rest of the bed and pulled his love close. “Don’t ever do something so stupid again. I won’t survive losing you.”
Melpomean nodded. “I know. I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. You love me, not Thranduil.” His voice was knowing and Elrond blinked, hearing it. What had happened while the elf was unconscious? His surprise grew when the other suddenly and quite possessively claimed his lips. He moaned his pleasure and eagerly submitted to his lover.
Melpomean pulled back and caressed Elrond’s cheek. “I am really sorry, melme. Can you forgive me?” Elrond pulled him closer and reclaimed those tasty lips, silently answering him.

Lomiol grinned and discretely left. There were many elves to be informed.

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Thranduil flared up when the door flung open and a warrior rushed inside, heavily panting. He blinked once but then offered the exhausted elf a chair. The warrior looked grateful and took some deep breaths before he could speak. “A small ‘Lóriën host is approaching with great speed.”
Thranduil nodded. “Is Celeborn leading them or Galadriel?”
“Both, Thranduil King.”
Thranduil nodded and smiled warmly. He locked eyes with Thrilmaldur. “Would you mind arranging for enough rooms?” His eyes immediately turned back to the exhausted soldier. “Do not stop them; let them pass and continue at their desired speed.”
He now looked at Erestor. “I think the twins will like to great them.” Erestor nodded in understanding and left.

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Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other and then at the healer again. They could hardly believe their ears. “Are you sure?”
Lomiol nodded. “Aye, positive. And he’s kissing your father. I left before it could progress into anything further. I have no desire to watch anyone do that.”
Elvil and Orophin hugged their loves , smiling happily.

Elladan turned in the embrace and lifted the shorter elf. “It’s your medallion. I know it is.” Without warning he twirled the other around, drawing protests from Elvil and snickers from Elrohir and Orophin.
The healer left, shaking his head.

“Elladan! Put me down! Elladan!”
Elladan reluctantly complied and released his hold. “Do we tell Elnihir?”
Elrohir shook his head. “Nay, he’ll be asleep in Legolas’ arms. He’s always sleeping there.”
Elvil narrowed his eyes. “What makes you think he can sleep tonight? I am going to him.” He ran out but stopped when he bumped into a servant, who hastily bowed.

“My lords, lord Erestor has send me to inform you the rulers of Lothlóriën are due to arrive any moment.”
Elvil beamed and dashed of.
Elladan grinned. “Let’s go meet them. I’m glad they’ve come.”
Elrohir nodded, leaning on Orophin. “Though I think it’s no longer necessary. Mel’s fine now.”
Orophin sighed, not liking to bring them both down again. “I think we need the extra eyes, Ro. He tried to kill himself. Who says he’s healed in spirit already not to try again?”
Elladan sobered and nodded. “For father we shall have to keep an eye on him.”

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Elvil burst into the room without knocking and the two sleeping elves instantly flared up, looking a bit groggy. Elvil jumped on the bed and hugged Elnihir. “Mel’s all right. He’s kissing ata now.” Seeing Elnihir’s puzzled look he grinned. “My ata, not yours. They’ll be fine.”
Elnihir smiled and looked at Legolas. “Told you.”
Legolas grinned and nodded. “Thanks for coming here, Elvil.”
Elvil nodded, not turning away from Elnihir. “I thought you’d be awake. Guess Elrohir was right after all.”
Elnihir shrugged. “Hearing someone sleep makes you sleepy.”
Elvil nodded. “And Celeborn and Galadriel are coming. Shall we go and wait for them?” Elnihir nodded and pulled Legolas along, who allowed it with mirth.

While they were walking to the courtyard Legolas remembered something. “And when’s that human girl due?”
Elvil looked puzzled but then smiled. “Onar? Soon. Tomorrow or the day after that. You’ll like her.”
Legolas shrugged. “We’ll see.”

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Galadriel sighed relieved and looked at her husband, who also had a relieved expression on his face. The facial features of the ones waiting for them told them enough. Though she couldn’t help but fear it was their arrival that had brought it there and not the changed home-situation.
Celeborn looked at her and smiled. `Don’t worry, loth-nin, I see no worry in their eyes.` He ignored the puzzlement in her eyes at the endearment, which he hadn’t used outside the bedroom, but dismounted instead and allowed the twins to run into his arms.
Elrohir’s words proved his assumptions correct and he tightened his embrace.

While Celeborn had his hands full holding his grandchildren Elnihir and Elvil claimed an embrace from Galadriel, who smiled at their presence. “Oh, how I’ve missed you. And that for the short time we’ve been away.” She lifted Elnihir and kissed him. “And you’ve I missed the most. My first immortal great-grandchild.” She kissed him again before placing him back on the ground.

Elnihir looked puzzled and ran back to Legolas. “What did she mean by that?”
Legolas frowned. “You don’t know?” He shook his head when he saw the headshake and told him to wait a moment.

He swiftly walked over to the twins. “Elrohir?”
Celeborn smiled at seeing the changed Legolas. “You look great, Legolas. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Legolas smiled and returned the greeting before turning his attention to Elrohir again. “Haven’t you told Elnihir about Arwen?”
Elrohir’s eyes darkened and he shook his head. “Nay. We can’t…”
Celeborn placed a hand on Legolas’ shoulder and smiled. “She was their sister, Legolas. But he deserves to know. Would you?”
Legolas nodded. “He doesn’t know about her at all?”
Celeborn shrugged. “He knows she was alive and now is dead, but otherwise I think he is in the dark. Fill him in.”
Legolas nodded and returned to Elnihir’s side, who was happy to see him coming. He grinned when the elfling jumped up, forcing him to lift and carry him.

Seeing it made Galadriel smile and she looked at her husband, whose eyes looked troubled. `My love, what is it?`
Celeborn locked eyes and smiled. `I fear they are bound for heartache. And Legolas…` He couldn’t even speak the words.
Galadriel smiled understandingly. `We shall see what the mirror tells us when we have a moment to ourselves. First we need to focus on our son and his children.`
Celeborn nodded. `I shall go to him. You stay with the children. I know how much you’ve missed them.` He gave the others a final squish and walked into the direction of the healing wing.

Galadriel sighed lovingly and soon turned her attention to the children. “Let us go inside. You must tell me all that happened. Haldir wasn’t very specific.” She pulled Elladan close and planted a kiss on his head, knowing he needed a little more care right now.

When they were back in the house Elrohir had trouble not going to Orophin. The need to feel him close nearly overwhelmed him.
Galadriel smiled knowingly. “Orophin, don’t just lurk there but come here and support your lover.” Her smile was warm. “We’ve know for millennia and wondered when you two would as well.”

TBC